Pokemon Go current Raid bosses: October 2023 schedule for Mega Raids, 5-Stars & more

Mega Banette in Pokemon GoNiantic

Raids are a key part of Pokemon Go, and every month there’s a new set of Pokemon ranging from common 1-Stars to rare 5-Star Legendaries for players to battle and catch. Here’s the current line-up of Raid bosses for October 2023.

October has shaped up to be an exciting month for Pokemon Go players. An event tied with the release of Detective Pikachu Returns, a Harvest Festival, and there’s also a new set of Spotlight Hour stars to enjoy.

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As for Raids, Trainers around the world will be able to catch Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in addition to Guzzlord during the first half of October. There will also be opportunities to battle Darkrai, Mega Gengar, and Mega Banette.


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Darkrai in a Pokemon Go Raid Battle

Pokemon Go Raid Boss schedule for October 2023

Niantic has revealed the October schedule for Raids, and there are some exciting battles to be had!

Most notable is the possibility of encountering both Shiny Guzzlord and Shiny Darkrai.

Here are the Pokemon you’ll be able to find in Raids this month:

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Mega Raids

Pokemon Dates
Mega Gardevoir Mega Gardevoir September 16 – October 6
Pokemon GO Mega Gengar Mega Gengar  October 6 – October 20 
Mega Banette Mega Banette  October 20 – November 3 

5-Star Raids

Pokemon Dates
Raikou Raikou September 23 – October 6
Entei Entei September 23 – October 6
Suicune Suicune September 23 – October 6
Guzzlord Guzzlord  October 6 – October 20 
Darkrai Darkrai  October 20 – November 3

3-Star Raids

Pokemon
Alolan Raticate in Pokemon Go Clfeable Pokemon counter Lapras Pokemon Go Dex Druddigon in Pokemon Go
Alolan Raticate Clefable Lapras Druddigon

1-Star Raids

Pokemon
Pineco Galarian Zigzagoon Roggenrola Rockruff Bounsweet New Pokemon Snap Dex
Pineco Galarian Zigzagoon Roggenrola Rockruff Bounsweet

Mega Raids and 5-Star Raids will follow the schedule above, but 1-Star and 3-Star Raids often change at random, especially during special events. Check back regularly for the latest Raid opportunities!

All Pokemon Go Raid Guides for October 2023

If you’re new to Raids or just need a bit of a helping hand, then look no further! We’ll be compiling guides on how best to get the Mega and 5-Star Raid Pokemon below:

When do Raid Hours take place?

Each week, Niantic hosts a special Raid Hour to give players a better chance at catching the current 5-Star Raid Pokemon. All of the Gyms that have Raids in them will be 5-Star Raid Bosses.

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Raid Hours take place every Wednesday from 6PM to 7PM, and you won’t have to worry about time zones as it will always be your local time. This is the perfect chance to get out there and catch yourself a Legendary.

What are Raid Battles in Pokemon Go?

Screenshot of Pokemon Go Raid Boss logo.Niantic / The Pokemon Company
Taking part in Raid Battles gives you the chance to catch some rare Pokemon.

Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokemon takes over a Gym. You can find them by walking around local Gyms and keeping an eye out for eggs that are about to hatch or Boss Pokemon that are part of a currently ongoing Raid.

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These Pokemon are very powerful, so it’s recommended that you team up with a few other trainers in order to secure a victory. There are four tiers: 1-Star, 3-Star, 5-Star, and Mega Raids. The higher the tier, the harder the battle.

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Raid Battles are worth the time and effort to complete, though. As well as earning special items, you’ll also get a chance to catch the Pokemon you beat. In the case of 5-Star Raids, these will be Legendaries you can’t get anywhere else.

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How to get Raid Passes in Pokemon Go

Raid Passes@PokemonGoApp
Raid Passes are required to take part in Raids.

In order to take part in a Raid Battle, you’ll need a Raid Pass. You can earn one Raid Pass each day by spinning the Photo Disc at any Gym. If you run out, you can purchase a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop.

There are now also Remote Raid Passes available in Go. These are ideal for trainers who can’t leave the house, as they let you join any Raid Battle that’s on the Nearby screen or tappable from the Map View.

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Remote Raid Passes can be bought from the Shop, or received as free gifts every now and then.

How to catch Pokemon in Raid Battles

Pokemon Go Premier BallsNiantic
Premier Balls let you catch Legendary Pokemon.

When you successfully defeat a Raid Boss, you’ll get the chance to catch it. You’ll be given a set number of Premier Balls to use, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to catch it, especially if it’s a Legendary as they have very low catch rates.

Here are some ways to increase the number of Premier Balls you’ll get:

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  • Deal a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
  • Your team deals a high amount of damage to the Raid boss.
  • Controlling the Gym that the Raid takes place in.
  • Participating in Raids with friends.

Remember, you can also use Razz Berries, or even better Golden Razz Berries, to help catch Raid bosses. Getting excellent throws or spinning curveballs will increase your chances, too.

Now you’re all clued up on Raids and the creatures you can battle at Gyms this month, it’s time to get out there and catch yourself some Pokemon – and maybe even a Legendary. Good luck, trainers!


For more tips and tricks covering all things Pokemon Go, make sure to check out our guides:

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Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | All upcoming Spotlight Hours | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | Giovanni counters guide | Sierra counters guide | Grunt counters guide | How to catch a Ditto | What are Strange Eggs? | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Fastest way to get Best Buddy status | Pokemon Go catching tips

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